Daniel 5:10

KJV

¶ [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the queen {H4433}, by reason {H6903} of the words {H4406} of the king {H4430} and his lords {H7261}, came {H5954} into the banquet {H4961} house {H1005}: and the queen {H4433} spake {H6032} and said {H560}, O king {H4430}, live {H2418} for ever {H5957}: let not {H409} thy thoughts {H7476} trouble {H927} thee, nor let thy countenance {H2122} be changed {H8133}:

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point the queen mother, because of what the king and his lords were saying, entered the banquet hall. The queen mother said, "May the king live forever! Don't be scared by your thoughts or let your face be so pale.

Berean Standard Bible

Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.

American Standard Version

Nowthe queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever; let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:10 marks a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Belshazzar's feast, as the queen, likely the queen mother, enters the chaotic banquet hall. Hearing of the king's extreme terror and the failure of his wise men to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall, she offers a voice of seasoned wisdom and a potential solution. Her counsel aims to calm the distraught king, urging him not to let his thoughts trouble him or his countenance betray his fear, and subtly sets the stage for the reintroduction of Daniel, the true interpreter of divine mysteries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the terrifying appearance of the disembodied hand writing on the palace wall and Belshazzar's subsequent extreme physical and mental distress, as described in [Daniel 5:5-6](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5-6 - The Hand on the Wall and Belshazzar's Terror"). The king's wise men have been summoned and have failed to interpret the writing, deepening the crisis and the king's panic. The queen's entrance at this critical juncture introduces a new, authoritative voice into the narrative, shifting the focus from the king's impotent fear and the failure of his court to a potential path toward understanding and resolution. Her words serve as a narrative bridge, preparing the reader for Daniel's eventual summons and his role as God's chosen messenger.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds during the final hours of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically on the night Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians (539 BC). King Belshazzar, co-regent with his father Nabonidus, is hosting a grand feast, using sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple, an act of profound sacrilege. The "queen" mentioned here is widely understood to be the queen mother, Nitocris, daughter of Nebuchadnezzar. Her absence from the initial feast suggests her adherence to more traditional Babylonian piety or perhaps her higher status that exempted her from such revelries. Her entrance signifies her unique authority and wisdom, likely stemming from her age and her direct memory of Nebuchadnezzar's reign and his encounters with Daniel. Her counsel highlights the desperation of the hour, as the king's own advisors have proven utterly useless in the face of divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and human accountability**, as Belshazzar's sacrilege directly provokes God's immediate and terrifying response, leading to the king's profound fear. Secondly, it highlights the **failure of human wisdom** when confronted with divine revelation; the king's astrologers and enchanters are powerless to interpret the supernatural message. Thirdly, the queen's intervention introduces the theme of **God's provision of true wisdom** through His chosen servants. Her remembrance of Daniel, a man "in whom is the spirit of the holy gods" ([Daniel 5:11](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11 - The Queen's Counsel Regarding Daniel")), sets the stage for the re-emergence of God's prophet as the only source of genuine understanding. Finally, the king's visible terror and the queen's attempt to calm him emphasize the **overwhelming power and unsettling nature of direct divine intervention** for those who have defied God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Queen (Aramaic, _malkâʼ'_):** This term refers to the queen, specifically the queen mother, Nitocris. Her title signifies her elevated status and authority within the Babylonian court, distinct from the king's wives or concubines. Her entrance into the banquet hall, uninvited by the king, demonstrates her unique prerogative and the severity of the crisis that compelled her to intervene. She represents a voice of wisdom and memory of a previous, more respectful era under Nebuchadnezzar.
* **Thoughts (Aramaic, _raʻyôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "a grasp" or "mental conception," this word refers to the king's internal cogitations, his deep anxieties, and the terrifying mental images consuming him. The queen's admonition, "let not thy thoughts trouble thee," directly addresses the king's inner turmoil and the overwhelming fear that has paralyzed his mind, indicating that his distress is not merely external but deeply psychological.
* **Countenance (Aramaic, _zîyv'_):** This word, meaning "brightness" or "cheerfulness," figuratively refers to the king's facial expression or outward appearance. The queen's plea, "nor let thy countenance be changed," vividly describes the physical manifestation of Belshazzar's fear—his pallor, contorted features, and loss of royal composure. It highlights how profoundly the divine message has impacted him, stripping away his regal dignity and revealing his raw terror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house:"** This clause establishes the queen's motivation and entrance. She was not present at the initial sacrilegious feast but was informed of the king's and his lords' terrified exclamations and their inability to comprehend the writing. Her arrival signifies the extreme nature of the crisis, compelling even the queen mother to break protocol and enter the chaotic scene.
* **"and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever:"** The queen immediately addresses the king with a traditional, respectful salutation, "O king, live for ever." This customary greeting, while polite, contrasts sharply with the king's current state of mortal terror and foreshadows the brevity of his reign. Her words serve to re-establish a semblance of order and respect in a room consumed by panic.
* **"let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:"** This is the core of the queen's immediate counsel. She observes the king's profound distress—both internal (troubled thoughts) and external (changed countenance)—and attempts to calm him. Her words imply that a solution exists, and that his fear, while understandable, is not necessarily the final state. She aims to restore his composure, recognizing that a king's dignity and stability are paramount, especially in a crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident in the queen's attempt to reassure Belshazzar with the traditional "live forever," as the reader (and the subsequent narrative) knows his reign is about to end abruptly. Her words of comfort are tragically ironic given the impending doom. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the king's abject terror and the queen's composed, authoritative demeanor, highlighting her wisdom and the king's lack thereof. Furthermore, the description of the king's "countenance" being "changed" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical alteration of his face stands in for his entire state of fear and internal turmoil. The queen's entrance itself, following the failure of all the king's men, serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling that the true solution will come from an unexpected, divinely appointed source—Daniel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:10 powerfully illustrates the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation in moments of profound crisis. The queen's entrance and her counsel highlight that true insight often comes from unexpected sources, particularly those who remember and honor God's past dealings. Her words, while seemingly just calming, implicitly acknowledge that the king's fear is legitimate, stemming from a supernatural encounter that transcends human understanding. The inability of Belshazzar's wise men to interpret the divine message underscores the futility of worldly knowledge when confronted with the mysteries of God's sovereign plan and judgment. It sets the stage for the re-emergence of Daniel, a man uniquely gifted by God, demonstrating that God always provides a means for His truth to be revealed, even in the most hostile and pagan environments.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Isaiah 29:14](/isaiah/29-14 "Isaiah 29:14 - The Wisdom of the Wise Shall Perish")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20-21](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20-21 - God's Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers facing moments of crisis and uncertainty. Just as Belshazzar was consumed by fear when confronted with the unknown, we too can find ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances that defy our understanding or control. This verse reminds us of the value of seeking wise counsel, particularly from those who possess spiritual discernment and a history of walking with God. The queen, remembering Daniel's past, points to the source of true wisdom, not merely human intellect. When our "thoughts trouble" us and our "countenance is changed" by fear, we are called to remember that God has provided resources—His Word, His Spirit, and His people—to bring clarity and peace. It's a call to humility, acknowledging the limits of our own understanding and turning to the divine source of all wisdom, rather than relying solely on worldly solutions that often fail in the face of spiritual realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are your "thoughts troubling" you, causing your "countenance to be changed" by fear or anxiety?**
* **Who are the "queens" or wise counselors in your life who can point you to God's wisdom in times of crisis?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to rely less on your own understanding and more on divine revelation when facing overwhelming challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who was "the queen" mentioned in Daniel 5:10, and why was she not at the feast initially?**

Answer: The "queen" is generally identified by scholars as the queen mother, Nitocris, who was the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar. She was likely not present at the initial feast due to her elevated status and age, which might have exempted her from such boisterous and sacrilegious revelries. Her entrance into the banquet hall, prompted by the king's extreme distress and the failure of his wise men, underscores the gravity of the situation and her unique position of authority and wisdom within the court. She represents a link to the previous, more glorious reign of Nebuchadnezzar, who had personal experience with Daniel's divine wisdom, as detailed in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humiliation").

**What is the significance of the queen's advice to Belshazzar, "let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed"?**

Answer: The queen's advice is significant because it attempts to restore composure and dignity to a king who has been utterly undone by divine revelation. Her words acknowledge both Belshazzar's internal turmoil ("thoughts trouble thee") and his external manifestation of fear ("countenance be changed"). While seemingly a simple attempt to calm him, it also subtly points to the need for a solution that transcends the king's current state of panic. Her counsel prepares the narrative for the introduction of Daniel, implying that the true remedy for the king's distress lies not in suppressing his fear but in understanding the divine message that caused it, which only Daniel can provide, as she explains in [Daniel 5:11-12](/daniel/5-11 "Daniel 5:11-12 - The Queen Recommends Daniel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:10, with the queen's attempt to calm Belshazzar's troubled thoughts and changed countenance, points forward to the ultimate source of peace and wisdom found in Jesus Christ. Belshazzar's terror stemmed from a divine judgment he could not comprehend or avert, highlighting humanity's inherent fear and helplessness in the face of God's righteous wrath. In contrast, Jesus, the true King, is presented in the New Testament as the one who calms the storm, not just in nature ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) but in the human heart. He invites those who are weary and burdened to find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). While Belshazzar's face was contorted by fear of impending judgment, Christ's countenance, even in the face of His own suffering, reflected resolute obedience and divine peace, as seen in His steadfast journey to Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). He is the ultimate wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), who not only interprets the mysteries of God but also reconciles humanity to God, taking away the fear of judgment for all who believe ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Through Him, our troubled thoughts can be stilled, and our countenances can reflect the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 3:9

They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

Daniel 6:6

¶ Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

Daniel 2:4

Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

1 Samuel 4:20

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it].

1 Samuel 4:22

And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

Daniel 6:21

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

Genesis 35:17

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.